April is Autism Acceptance Month.

Autism is well beyond just awareness.  Awareness means we know autistic people exist.  With facts such as:

• Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S.
• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
• Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

how could we not know autistic people exist?

To move forward with a better understanding of autistic people, we need to move beyond just having an awareness of autism and gain an acceptance.

As a sister of a 33-year-old autistic woman  and the mother of a 12-year-old daughter with Asperger’s, I’ve experienced many years of advocating for both of them.  I’ve witnessed both overcome great odds, especially my sister.

My sister is a hot ticket and is fun to be around.  She is always coming out with something randomly funny and is just a joy.

My daughter is full of imagination and facts.  Everyday is a new experience with her.  You never know what you’re going to learn from one day to the next.

Although it would be great if autism didn’t exist at all, I think accepting that it does is the first step to making the world a much better and understanding place.

Filed under: Asperger's, autism, writing Tagged: autism, Autism Acceptance Month, Autism spectrum